Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6
•
Dive into the Eco-Edutainment of
SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and
Aquatica.
Your kids may never realize
just how much they're learning as they
explore, watch, and touch their way
through these theme parks' eco-exhibits
and experiences. With the addition of
Manta, Journey to Atlantis, and Kraken,
SeaWorld
(p. 294) added a bit of zip
and zing to the lineup, ensuring that
those in need of an adrenaline rush
aren't left out in the cold (or over at the
other parks). But it's still the hands-on
encounters, such as touching silky rays
as they glide by you in droves, and up-
close views of animals ranging from
polar bears and penguins to killer
whales, that draw the crowds.
Discov-
ery Cove
(p. 304) is more of an island
retreat than a theme park. Rest and
relax on the beach or swim right along
with the fishes. The big draw here is the
chance to take a dip with the dolphins.
Aquatica
(p. 306), the latest addition to
SeaWorld's lineup, combines high-
speed thrills (with raft rides and racing
tunnels), up-close animal encounters
(with Commerson's dolphins, colorful
fish, brilliant macaws, and more), and a
whimsical South Pacific atmosphere to
create an eco-themed water park unlike
any other.
•
Go Wild at Gatorland.
Located
between Orlando and Kissimmee, this
throwback park is a great way to spend
a half-day (an especially good choice for
that extra time on your day of arrival)
and costs less than a third of the price of
some of the major theme parks. In
addition to the animal exhibits,
Gator
Jumparoo,
a signature show since the
park opened in 1949, and
Gator Wrest-
lin'
are worth a look. Other options
include a train ride, a children's water
playground, and an aviary. If you have
some extra spending money for a
once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider
becoming a Trainer for a Day. See
p. 308.
•
Pamper Yourself with a Spa Treat-
ment.
Rest, relax, and rejuvenate—you
may very well need to if you intend on
surviving all of the fast-paced activities
you've planned. After a few days at the
parks, it should almost be a require-
ment.
Disney's Grand Floridian
Resort & Spa
(
&
407/934-7639
or
407/824-3000),
Disney's Saratoga
Springs Resort & Spa
(
&
407/934-
7639
or 407/827-4455), the
Mandara
Spa
at Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel
(
&
888/322-5541
or 407/503-1000)
and at the WDW Dolphin (
&
407/
934-4000
), and the
Canyon Ranch
SpaClub
at the Gaylord Palms (
&
877/
677-9352
or 407/586-2051) all offer
an array of fabulous treatments, some
with salon services to boot.
1
2
THE BEST THRILL RIDES
Orlando lays claim to some of the biggest
and baddest thrill rides and roller coasters
anywhere—certainly one of the largest
collections of them in any one locale. So if
your idea of fun is to twist and turn at
speeds only a jet should reach, dive uncon-
trollably from dizzying heights to below
ground level and back, or see just how far
up into your throat your stomach can
go—this is the place for you. Here are the
city's top stomach churners and G-force
generators.
•
Manta
(SeaWorld): Gliding, swooping,
and diving (this one's a very smooth
ride) at speeds of up to 56 mph, you'll
fly face-down and headfirst (yikes!)
along some 3,359 feet of twisted steel
track. You'll spin through four inver-
sions (including inline spins, flat spins,
and a pretzel loop) and drop a heart-
